Underneath piles of dates and names, history holds intrigue for everyone—we cannot help wanting to know the stories leading up to our own.

Jonathan Den Hartog and Charles Aling are known for painting historical narrative on the minds of their students. They’ve recently taken their artistry to pages and film, and now you get in on the story.

Patriotism & Piety

“I found a cast of characters from the period of the American Revolution and just after that I found to be fascinating. I wanted to share their stories, their lives with other people.”

Dr. Jonathan Den Hartog focuses on the scene of a newborn American nation, whose leaders faced the challenge of creating a government that would protect freedom and sustain security. Some of these leaders believed that faith was a necessary partner for democratic longevity—enter, the Federalists.

While the Constitution put a government in to place for the republic, it left much undefined—it produced “a roof without walls”. The Federalists waded into the fray to define what type of character the nation would have. They hoped to create a Protestant, Christian nationalism in which citizens voluntarily worshipped properly and lived morally. From this Protestant morality would flow a republican virtue that would support the constitutional order. (Introduction)

Why read?

Watching real people struggle through faith and politics at America's birth will help you see why our government emerged as it did—and to realize the struggle of faith in the public square is as old as our nation.

Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus

Charles Aling, Ph.D. 25 years at UNW as Professor of History Can’t stop unraveling the mysteries of ancient Egypt

"I have come to the conclusion a long time ago that the key elements of faith must be accepted by faith...yet when you come to many of the historical things, over the years, so many discoveries have been made that support the scriptures."

Dr. Charles Aling got his masters in Ancient History and made his first Egyptian excavation with the United States Army as an intelligence officer. Forty years later, he's still stuck on Egypt.

After countless books and papers, Aling made his debut on the big screen in Tim Mahoney's Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus, a documentary investigating of historical evidence for the Biblical account of the Exodus.

Why watch?

Like Dr. Aling said, tangible evidence strengthens belief—and this film is full of evidence to consider about a story so miraculous, we've all wondered how it really unfolded.

How does our faith and our study of the Bible impact our interpretation and understanding literature? We caught up with Karen Swallow Prior, author of Booked and Fierce Convictions and writer for Christianity Today and several other Christian media outlets, to hear some of her thoughts on how faith interacts with the study of literature.

Q. Why should Christians study literature?

A. There are many reasons for Christians to study literature. First, reading good literature is a source of pleasure and delight. Our God is one who takes pleasure and delight in creation, and we are to imitate him.

Second, Christians are a “People of the Book.” Ours is a Word-centered faith, and cultivating our facility with language develops our affinity for the Word and all words.

Third, literature is a way for us to learn more about the world and its people. Learning about others and their experiences helps us to better fulfill the command to love our neighbors.

Finally, studying literature helps us to take dominion over the world, not only as we learn more about the world, but as we develop the aesthetic abilities and sensibilities that help us make order out of chaos.

Q. In a basic sense, how does one’s Christian faith influence their study of literature?

A. As a Word-centered people, Christians cultivate faithfulness to the text. The same skills we use in studying and applying the Bible are the same ones we use when studying other rich texts.

I have heard unbelieving professors remark on how Christians students tend to be exhibit this appreciation of and faithfulness to the written word more than their secular counterparts. The Christian belief in the authority of the word stands out even more in a postmodern, postmodern culture.

Q. What sorts of things can Christians learn from studying literature?

A. By studying literature, Christians can learn not only about ideas, worldviews, and people outside their own limited experience, but they can also learn to attend to the importance of form. The Bible itself is comprised of many different literary forms, and Christ Himself was the Word in the form of flesh.

We are exhorted as believers to communicate the truths of doctrine in the form of love. Ours is a faith in which both form and content are central. Literary texts heighten our awareness of the importance of form as well as content.

Due to weather, the Karen Swallow Prior event has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.

No one starts pursing their degree planning to drop out of or draw out college. Nevertheless, studies released by the Chronicle of Higher Education and other industry voices reveal low graduation rates and longer completion time.

Matthew Abeler '16 must not be the only one annoyed by inconsiderate texting. His film short “Pass the Salt” attracted five million views on YouTube in 182 countries since early November, offering a throwback solution to texting at the dinner table.

The 1:42 minute comedy stars Abeler’s real life parents, Bill and Lisa Abeler, and two of his high school friends, Colin Welch and Paul Ripplinger. Written, directed, and produced by Abeler, the production earned honors at the Intercollegiate National Religious Broadcasters competition and won Best Comedy at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul 2014 Five16 Film Festival.

Inspiration for the film came as Abeler prepared last fall for a class speech about technology and relationships:

“The film is more about the value of relationships than it is about cell-phones,” Abeler explained. “If I’m in conversation and whip out my phone, I am implicitly saying I value my phone friends more than I value you. That cuts deep. I hurt not only them, but also my ability to maintain long-lasting, tight-knit relationships.”

Abeler, from Upsala, Minn., is a communication major specializing in film. Passionate about storytelling, he someday hopes to produce fun, value-rich films for children.

The university has grown by more than 300 students over the past four years

In a time when colleges and universities have taken an enrollment hit based on the rising costs of higher education, University of Northwestern – St. Paul announces its fourth consecutive year of growth. Since 2010, Northwestern's total number of students has increased by more than 300 students. Additionally, the university has experienced a 3% growth in retention in just one year.

"We understand that affordability and flexibility are important factors for today's student," said Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D., the university's president. "That's why we are expanding the opportunities for online learning, blended learning and dual enrollment. Our mission continues to be focused on equipping Christ-centered learners and leaders to invest in others and impact the world."

The list just keeps getting smaller. After joining 455 nominations from institutions across the NCAAs three divisions, 2014 University of Northwestern graduate Krista (Stoltz) Bellefeuille (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) has been announced as a top nine honoree for the NCAA Woman of the Year award.

Bellefeuille will join her fellow eight remaining finalists at the NCAA Woman of the Year awards dinner in Indianapolis on October 19 where one national winner will be announced. Of the top nine honorees, three are from each NCAA division, meaning Bellefeuille is one of three Division III candidates left in the selection pool.

Bellefeuille's nomination was submitted by Northwestern in May of this year and was one of 455 nationwide. Following the institutional nomination deadline, Bellefeuille advanced as the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Woman of the Year nominee in June before being named as a Top 30 honoree on September 2. Before Bellefeuille, both Northwestern and the UMAC had never had one of its nominations named to the top 30.

As part of her Woman of the Year nomination, Bellefeuille stated: "A legacy is a lasting impact impressed upon others and within myself. With others, I learned the incredible benefit of extending unconditional love, authentically investing in lives, and building lifelong friendships that will support and encourage. Within myself, I believe the opportunities I was involved in as a scholar, athlete, and leader have shaped me into a woman of character."

Bellefeuille sought to establish a legacy of leadership and service off the court during her time in college. She spent several years mentoring elementary students and tutoring children in reading, while volunteering as a club volleyball coach and leading a children's small group at Eaglebrook Church. Bellefeuille also participated for three years in a leadership development program and served for two years as an admissions ambassador.

Matt Hill, vice president of student life and athletics at Northwestern, commented, "This honor affirms what we already know about Krista: she's dedicated, caring, hard-working, committed to excellence, a team player, and a joy to be around. I'm so grateful that the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee recognizes these qualities in this exceptional individual that we have been able to see demonstrated at Northwestern for the last four years."

"To be selected as one of the nine finalists is an incredible accomplishment in itself as the quality of nominations for this award is extremely impressive," said UMAC Commissioner Corey Borchardt. He continued, "Those that have spent any amount of time around Krista will not be surprised she is being recognized at this level as she is an inspiring woman who has been successful in all of her endeavors and pursuits including academics, athletics, and community outreach and service. Krista truly represents what that UMAC strives to cultivate and develop in providing a holistic educational experience for our student-athletes."

Before graduation, Bellefeuille, an elementary education major at UNW, made the Dean's list every semester and was recognized with high honors. Finishing her college career with a 3.96 cumulative grade point average, she was a Capital One Academic All-America First Team honoree and was awarded the UMAC Scholar-Athlete Leadership Award last spring. On the court, Bellefeuille was a four-year letter winner and three time conference champion. She was the UMAC Player of the Year and conference tournament Most Valuable Player in 2013 after being an American Volleyball Coaches Association Second Team All-American in 2012. Bellefeuille was a member of the first Northwestern team to earn a berth to the NCAA tournament, and her class was the first to earn four consecutive berths. Bellefeuille graduated as the NCAA Division III leader for active setters for career assists and sets, and was awarded the Northwestern Eagle Award, presented to the school's top female student-athlete for service, leadership, academic and athletic accomplishments.

Since graduating from Northwestern, Bellefeuille has started a new legacy, teaching preschool at New Life Academy in Woodbury, Minnesota, where she also coaches with the Eagles' volleyball program.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul announced today that it has been designated a 2015 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media. Now in its sixth year, the Military Friendly® Schools designation and list by Victory Media is the premier, trusted resource for post-military success. Military Friendly® provides service members transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.

“We celebrate being identified as a Military Friendly school once again for 2015,” said Monica Groves, dean of student success, “Thanks to our fine military students and those who provide support for their success!”

This year marks a third consecutive Military Friendly listing for Northwestern, now serving over 40 students who are active in a military branch, holding veteran status or classified as military dependents, through the Military Student Resource Center.

The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role over the past six years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.

A full story and detailed list of 2015 Military Friendly Schools ® will be highlighted in the annual G.I. Jobs Guide to Military Friendly Schools ®, distributed in print and digital format to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel.

For more information about Northwestern’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit unwsp.edu.

About Military Friendly® Schools The Military Friendly® Schools designation process includes extensive research and a data-driven survey of schools nationwide approved for Post-9/11 GI Bill funding. The school survey, methodology, criteria and weightings are developed with the assistance of an independent Academic Advisory Board comprised of educators from schools across the country. The survey is administered for free and open to all post-secondary schools who wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found on our website, http://www.militaryfriendly.com, and a complete list of schools can be found through our Schools Matchmaker tool on http://www.gijobs.com.

About Victory Media Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned business serving the military community since 2001. Our data-driven lists are published in G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, and Vetrepreneur® media channels, republished in periodicals such as USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Bloomberg BW, and frequently cited on national TV by NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, CNBC, Fox News and others.

For the second time, UNW Professor of Art and Design Joe Smith has received the prestigious McKnight Artist Fellowship, an award dedicated to identifying and supporting outstanding mid-career artists.

Smith's "Untitled" (acrylic, blanket and aluminum) was selected with the work of seven other artists in June from over 270 applicants.

"Joe Smith’s abstractions and still lifes explore the impact of weight and gesture as a means to open up psychological spaces. Each element in his work is charged with restraining and driving forces that reveal the gaps between the physical, mental, and the metaphysical." - Minneapolis College for Art & Design, press release

“This news is a continued affirmation of academic and overall quality,” noted Vice President for Institutional Advancement Amy Bragg Carey, “as Northwestern has been recognized by a variety of organizations and ranking systems in recent years. While our greatest value is in our commitment to the Christ-centered mission, it is rewarding to see the excellence of the institution acknowledged.”

According to U.S. News, “Best Colleges 2015” ranks colleges within four regions: North, South, Midwest and West; the Midwest region is comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Indicators used to measure academic quality fall into seven broad areas: peer assessment; retention and graduation of students; faculty resources; student selectivity; financial resources; alumni giving; and graduation rate performance, the difference between the proportion of students expected to graduate and the proportion who do. Data for the 2015 edition of Best Colleges were gathered in the spring and summer of 2014.

Christian Universities Online: Top 50

University of Northwestern recently received Top 50 rankings in two categories by Christian Universities Online, an independent online resource for prospective students and their families researching Christian higher education.

In the Top 50 Christian Colleges & Universities Exceeding Expectations category, Northwestern ranked 14th. According to the ranking organization, this category provides an additional perspective on Christian universities and colleges by focusing on how much or little they enhance the achievement of their students from acceptance till graduation. The difference between predicted and actual graduation rates is denoted as the “Exceeding Expectations Value.”

University of Northwestern – St. Paul was also ranked one of The 50 Best Christian Colleges in the U.S., coming in at number 27. Christian Universities Online presents a ranking of Christian colleges and universities taking into consideration a variety of quantitative values for regionally accredited schools and considering which offered the highest degree of personal attention (student-to-faculty ratio), selectivity (acceptance rate), financial assistance (% receiving financial aid), and student satisfaction (retention and graduation rates). These factors were all given equal weight.

The grant will fund paid internships for 76 Northwestern students with financial need from the College of Arts & Humanities, and selected majors from the College of Behavioral & Natural Sciences. While students in majors with traditionally unpaid internship opportunities have faced choosing between career experience and income, now they will be paid for industry relevant work.

Students awarded internship funding will receive professional development to bolster their transition into a career, according to Linda Ashworth, assistant director of experiential education at the Center for Calling & Career.

"One exciting aspect of this grant is the collaboration it fosters between on-campus departments and with local businesses, government agencies and non-profits," said Ashworth, "Northwestern is focusing on helping local businesses develop internship programs that could be self-sustaining beyond the grant period."

Applications for internships this fall opened on Friday August 22, 2014, and grant dollars will be distributed later in spring and summer for internships during those semesters. Ashworth, along with Dayna Taylor, manager of corporate and foundation relations, wrote and pursued the grant, awarded by Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation.

The Northwestern grant is part of a larger Great Lakes program that awarded $5.2 million in new grants to 40 colleges and universities in four states, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.

The program, known as Early College at the University of Northwestern, gives high school juniors and seniors a head start on their undergraduate degree by allowing them to enroll in online college courses at a discounted rate. Students who enroll in the program at the beginning of their junior year can earn up to two full years of college credit before ever setting foot on a college campus.

"We're very excited about this new journey with the University of Northwestern," said Denise Laudenbach, President of Alpha Omega Publications. "With more than 65 college courses to choose from, Northwestern gives our students even more opportunities to follow and achieve their dreams, while preparing them for the rigors of higher education with courses from a Christ-centered university."

To qualify for the program, students must hold junior or senior status, maintain a grade point average of 2.75 or higher, and meet minimum test scores (ACT/PLAN score of at least 18 or SAT score of at least 1200 or PSAT score of at least 120). For each four-credit college course students complete, they earn a full high school credit through AOA.

Dr. Alan S. Cureton, President of the University of Northwestern, notes that in addition to dual credit, the program gives students a true understanding of what to expect when they head off to a physical college to finish their degree.

"Students need intrinsic motivation to succeed in the Early College courses," he said. "Along the way, they discover how to collaborate with peers, meet deadlines, and connect with college professors on a professional and personal level. Our professors look forward to welcoming AOA students into the program."

School of Nursing will be hosting a community Health and Wellness Fair in partnership with 98.5 KTIS and community Night to Unite sponsors on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 from 4 p.m.–8 p.m.

The event will be hosted in the KTIS parking lot located next to the Mel Johnson Media Center. Over 40 local vendors including the Health Fair 11 Q’mmunity Van and the American Red Cross Blood Drive have decided to join in this Night to Unite event. Free health screenings including blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, vision and hearing will be available. Public safety officials will be present to promote safety within our communities. Come and enjoy the health and wellness activities, prize drawings and free giveaways.

Health and Wellness Fair

“This is our way to give back to the community,” said Ginger Wolgemuth, Ph.D., R.N., chief nursing administrator, “Our students have worked very hard and are excited about the fair.”

Since launching the nursing program in 2013, Wolgemuth continues to lay the foundation of equipping students with the skills and abilities required of professional nurses to effectively serve individuals and families within the community. The program is centralized around a blended learning format, a Christ-centered approach to service and care, inter-professional collaboration and clinical immersions.

Congratulations to our whole community for an incredible first year!

Sophomore Matthew Abeler will cross the pond on June 28 to study at Oxford University this summer, one of six students selected for the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) inaugural Oxford Distinguished Scholar’s Program. Led by NRB President & CEO Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, Abeler and his fellow scholars will experience two weeks of one-on-one tutorials with a distinguished scholar at Jesus College.

While at Oxford, Abeler will be writing four essays in his chosen field of study, as well as absorbing the expertise of Dr. Harold Rawlings as he lectures on the Reformation leaders and martyrs.

"Stories from the past can help my generation learn how to live wisely as Christians," said Abeler, "It's a paradox where looking backward provides the clearest vision of running forward."

According to NRB, Dr. Johnson initiated the program with a vision for the future and students in his sights, “We want to encourage and equip these prospective Christian media leaders and professionals. They’ll be the ones who will drive our industry forward and impact generations to come.”

Abeler is studying video and audio production at Northwestern, and recently won Cengage Learning’s Instructor for a Day video contest with his entry, “Spontaneity.”

University of Northwestern – St. Paul has been named one of the Top 100 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune, ranking 23rd on the large size company list. This year Northwestern receives a third recognition, ranked a Top Workplace in 2010 and 2012 as well.

"All Northwestern employees are an integral part of the Northwestern community and continually provide enthusiasm in their work and service to the organization," said Tim Rich, Associate Vice President of Human Resources. "Their dedication to serving each student or listener is the foundation for creating the Christ-centered community that makes University of Northwestern – St. Paul stand out among other organizations."

About Top Workplaces

Produced by the same team that compiles the 23-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 58,600 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations.

The rankings in the Star Tribune Top 100 Workplaces are based on survey information collected by Workplace Dynamics, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 2,000 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses. Read more about 2014 Top Workplaces online at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2014.

Tanya Grosz, director of Undergraduate Pathways, was featured in the spring issue of the CCCU Advance magazine in "Short on commute, long on community," an article exploring community building in online learning.

On Wednesday, April 9 at 7 a.m., former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will visit University of Northwestern – St. Paul for an exciting Lessons for Leaders event. The Lessons for Leaders series invites high-profile speakers from various disciplines to inspire students and constituents of Northwestern through interviews, chapel services and luncheons.

Media are invited to attend a brief press conference at 7 a.m. followed by the Governor's presentation in Northwestern's Maranatha Hall. Huckabee will also speak exclusively to students later at a private chapel service.

Huckabee served as Governor of Arkansas from 1996–2007 and campaigned for the Republican nomination for president in 2008. He finished second to John McCain. During Huckabee's time as governor, he was recognized nationally for his leadership and was even chosen by Time magazine as one of the five best governors in America in 2005.

Huckabee is currently host of the popular weekend show Huckabee on the Fox News Channel and Cumulus Media Network's syndicated radio feature The Huckabee Report, heard on 600 stations nationwide. He is also the author of eleven books, including Do the Right Thing and A Simple Government. Six of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller list.

Huckabee's wife, Janet also visited Northwestern's campus in January of 2008, speaking in chapel and to communication students about her journey alongside Mike during his various political campaigns.